Preparations with a Grateful Heart

I am hosting Thanksgiving this year
and I have been busy making preparations.

I hung this little chalkboard in my kitchen
to get my just rewards :)

I also made this sign for the occasion.
I really love the message.

I used a transfer from the craft store
 on chipboard that I painted a soft cream.

I wanted to give it an aged appearance,
so I watered down some gray craft paint
and lightly brushed over it, using a paper towel
to remove excess, then I splattered it a bit.

Much better, don't you think?
My sweet Mr. drilled two holes for hanging.

Now I am ready to cook up a storm!
I am cooking for 12.

Not too many, but a crowd for my small cottage!
I love to cook and I cook to love.
<3

I am determined to stay relaxed and do as much prep as possible
so I can enjoy Thanksgiving day
with the ones I love.

I am keeping things simple.

I made the centerpiece from my favorite vintage
box, some tall glassed candles
and a gathering of nature's bounty.

Viewed from above......

I've set up a small table in front of the daybed

to accommodate everyone. 

I like this so much, 

I might keep it this way....

*Maybe*

I made the Autumn Leaves out of clay 

a couple of years ago. 

My hutch sits opposite. I will serve pies here. 

Scrabble letters spell it out.
xo

One of my decoupaged trays in behind.

(I used pretty napkins)

I just found this little basket at my favorite vintage store.
There are 5 more nested inside!

The little drawers hold my art supplies.

I've set up a coffee bar on my kitchen queen.

Dishes are washed and waiting.

My Mother's flour sifter will be used tomorrow to bake
apple pies with the recipe she passed down.

It is during the holidays that we miss our loved ones the most.

Something to make me smile
inside the pantry door.

I stenciled this years ago
when my children were young.

<3

With such a small house, I set up a wine bar
on my treadle sewing machine in my living room.

This is a good excuse to bring out my mid-century modern
wine and cheese platter.

I love the design.
Another thrifty find.

I mix all eras in my vintage cottage style.

The beautiful hand-painted tray was a recent birthday gift
from my sweet sis-in-law back in New England.
xoxo
I love using pretty printed napkins.

And some just for fun. :)

A favorite Washington State vintage drink tray.

We are located between Puyallup and Wenatchee.
The Cascade Mountains separate the two.

Puyallup is a local Native American tribe, pronounced
Pyu-allup. Maybe the first one to write
the pronunciation mixed up the vowels!

Right now the Puyallup River is at flood stage
as we have had a very large amount of rain and expecting
more. We can hear the creek below our little mountain
 roaring with run-off from the mountains.
Mt. Rainier is closed to visitors as it has received
6 inches of rain
melting our recent mountain snows.
The weather system is coming directly from Hawaii
in a large stream of moisture called
'The Pineapple Express'.
We always get flooding in the river valleys
during these weather events,
but we are high and dry.

Spending time with loved ones - sharing good food,
laughter, and love - with gratitude for all of our
many blessings, is what Thanksgiving is all about.

I am also grateful, Dear Friends, to all of you
who brighten my day, lift me up, and
bless me with your sweet friendship.

xoxoxo

Happy Thanksgiving
xo